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Embedding Inclusion in Design Projects & Partnerships with Aleksandra Melnikova

Pragmatic Institute Design Chats Podcast

“It’s essential that whoever we work with—and in whatever way we work—we foster inclusion at every step. And when I say inclusion, accessibility is a tiny part of it…Inclusion has so many more dimensions.”
 
Aleksandra Melnikova is an experience designer, strategist, speaker, and co-founder of Cosmic Velocity—an inclusive research, UX and service design agency in London. She joins Design Chats with guest host Erin Thibeau for a conversation touching on everything from Holacratic governance to Buddhist philosophy.
 
Aleksandra talks about the values driving her agency’s work, the “beautiful and ever-changing” world of inclusive design and leadership as a service. Aleksandra also shares examples of activities she’s facilitated to build culture and foster diversity and inclusion—both in her team and in client engagements.
 
Listen as Aleksandra and Erin discuss:

  • Coming to a definition of inclusion by first discussing exclusion
  • Three ways that practitioners pursuing inclusive design and research can set themselves up for success
  • Why Cosmic Velocity partners with other agencies rather than pitching against each other
  • Leadership models, mindsets and frameworks that reject hierarchy
  • How she helps designers envision a different future by detaching from day-to-day tasks and entering a play environment
  • …and much more

Follow Aleksandra’s work on her LinkedIn page. For designers looking to contribute more strategically, drive value in their organizations, and build influence, explore Pragmatic Design’s courses.

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  • Pragmatic Institute

    Pragmatic Institute is the transformational partner for today’s businesses, providing immediate impact through actionable and practical training for product, design and data teams. Our courses are taught by industry experts with decades of hands-on experience, and include a complete ecosystem of training, resources and community. This focus on dynamic instruction and continued learning has delivered impactful education to over 200,000 alumni worldwide over the last 30 years.

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